PLANS to use part of a former bank branch as a tanning studio have been given the go-ahead.
The TSB Bank closed its branch in General Rees Square in the Cwmbran Centre in September 2024.
Part of it has since had permission to reopen as a bookies and an application for the remaining unit to allow a change of use from financial and professional services to a tanning studio has now been approved by Torfaen Borough Council planners.
Planning officer Justin Jones said use as a tanning studio would continue to attract footfall to the town centre and maintain a shop frontage, though he noted separate applications will be submitted for the proposed new shop front and signs.
He said in his report: “while the loss of an A2 (financial services) use is regrettable, the proposed use is not considered to undermine the shopping character, vitality or viability of the town centre.”
The application was submitted by the shopping centre owners LCP Properties and stated six full-time equivalent jobs would be created at the tanning studio.